Burlington, North Carolina: natural disaster risk
How exposed Burlington is to floods, storms and other hazards, from FEMA and NOAA records for Guilford County.
Burlington is a city of 59,610 people in Guilford County, North Carolina. Parts of Burlington also reach into Alamance County. FEMA's National Risk Index rates Guilford County relatively moderate for natural hazards overall, about average for the US. The costliest hazards there are inland flooding, hurricane and tornado, with about $135 million in expected losses a year across the county. The weather service has logged 803 storm reports in the county since 1954, including 16 tornadoes and 140 floods. NOAA hurricane records show 2 hurricanes and 20 tropical storms passing within 65 miles of the county's center. About 0.4% of homes in the county carry federal flood insurance.
Risk figures are for Guilford County, the county with most of the population Burlington sits in. FEMA National Risk Index December 2025; NOAA Storm Events; US Census Bureau ACS 2020 to 2024. Updated November 6, 2026.
Top risks in Burlington
Full Guilford County report ›- Check the FEMA flood map for your address, and ask the seller or landlord about past flooding.
- Price a flood policy now. Most new federal policies take 30 days to start.
- Know your evacuation zone and route before June 1.
- Ask about roof age, shutters and the separate wind or hurricane deductible on your home policy.
- Pick a shelter spot: a basement, or an inside room on the lowest floor with no windows.
- Turn on emergency alerts on your phone and keep a weather radio.
All hazards
| Hazard | Rating | A year |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | $101M | |
| Hurricane | $8M | |
| Tornado | $6M | |
| Cold wave | $6M | |
| Earthquake | $4M | |
| Heat wave | $2M | |
| Ice storm | $2M | |
| Hail | $2M | |
| Lightning | $2M | |
| Strong wind | $922K | |
| Winter weather | $795K | |
| Drought | $441K |
Homes in Burlington
Older homes and mobile homes usually take more damage in storms, floods and earthquakes. Ask about roof age, flood history and retrofits before you buy or rent.
Strongest tornadoes in Guilford County
More cities in Guilford County
Other cities in North Carolina
All ›Common questions about Burlington
Is Burlington safe from natural disasters?
Burlington is in Guilford County, which FEMA's National Risk Index rates relatively moderate overall, about average for the US. The biggest hazards are inland flooding, hurricane, tornado. No place is free of risk, so check the flood map and insurance for any home you consider.
What natural disasters happen in Burlington?
By expected yearly losses in Guilford County, the top hazards are inland flooding (High), hurricane (Moderate), tornado (Moderate). Guilford County has been part of 26 federal disaster or emergency declarations for natural events.
Does Burlington get tornadoes?
Yes. NOAA records list 16 tornadoes in Guilford County since 1950; the strongest was an EF3 tornado on March 28, 2010 near High Pt. FEMA rates tornado risk in the county moderate.
Do I need flood insurance in Burlington?
Standard home insurance does not cover floods. In Guilford County, about 0.4% of homes have federal flood insurance, and FEMA rates inland flooding risk high. Check the FEMA flood map for your address and get a quote even outside a high-risk zone.